As I ponder what I should take I am looking at my list for 2011 and deciding how to amend it. Here is what I planned to take with alterations and additions for 2012.

* Laptop and new battery - ordered and received last week. (I'm leaving my well travelled netbook at home)I actually took the netbook but in 2012 will take my new laptop. I have voice recognition software on the laptop and, with my lack of typing skills, will find this useful for blog posts. The laptop also seems to have more grunt to pick up free wifi signals.

* Small portable hard drive (to back up as I go) Yes a new 1 terabyte model - last year's model doed not have enough storage.

* Digital camera, SD cards, 2 batteries, charger and tiny tripod2 digital cameras for 2012 - I have a new 4/3 G3 Panasonic Lumix that takes great pix but the point and shoot is great to take everywhere. I will be appointing Mr Geniaus to take photos for the blog while I attend sessions.

* 2 Thumb/Flash drives (another backup option)

I can lighten the load here - I might just take one!

* Mobile phone and charger

I will leave my Australian mobile at home. I'll transfer its SIM card to my Galaxy Tab.I will also take my AT&T GoPhone for local calls while in the US. This is a cost-effective option for overseas visitors to the US.

* Power adapters so I can use US power outletsCan cut down on these as GoPhone and Laptop were purchased in the US. Will use netbook sleeve to store all of these.

* Pencil case with pencils, sharpener and pens

Yes* Spiral bound notebook (If all else fails write it down)Yes* Business cardsYes* Fridge magnet (For putting on the drawers from which I remove microfilm)Yes

* Hot pink laptop bag (It will be easy to ID)Will put laptop in hot pink sleeve in cabin bag and leave laptop bag at home. Last year Rootstech gave us a computer bag and then I had two! Wish I knew what their plans are this year.

* I will be purchasing a Flip-Pal mobile scanner at the conference.I bought the Flip-Pal but will be leaving it at home. I can use camera or Galaxy Tab with CamScanner to collect images from the FH.

* I might purchase a Galaxy Tab (if the price is right) while there. They are around half the Australian price in the US but I won't have an Australian warranty - should I take a gamble?

Purchased in Australia post Rootstech. It will be travelling with me and in my handbag at all times. It will double as an ereader. I like to purchase travel guides in ebook format.Do I need to purchase a mobile hotspot device?

* I will buy a prepaid SIM card for my 3G Smartphone when I arrive so that I have internet access.

Not taking the phone.

In addition I will be adding taking my US GPS device - it may avoid some heated discussions as we set off on a six week US adventure post Rootstech.

Pauleen - you've reminded me of two other toys I might squeeze in - My digital voice recorder and my little Bloggie video camera. The voice recorder app on my Galaxy Tab works well but I can equip Mr Geniaus with the voice recorder to record sessions I send him to.

Pauleen - you've reminded me of two other toys I might squeeze in - My digital voice recorder and my little Bloggie video camera. The voice recorder app on my Galaxy Tab works well but I can equip Mr Geniaus with the voice recorder to record sessions I send him to.